Breaking the Silo: The Crucial Role of Leadership and Advocacy in Digital Preservation Programs

Abstract Digital preservation is crucial for ensuring the long-term accessibility and usability of digital content; however, many institutions struggle with inadequate staffing, policies, and financial resources. While previous studies have primarily focused on the technical skills required for digital preservation, this study takes a novel approach by assessing the leadership and advocacy capabilities crucial for initiating and sustaining digital preservation programs. Data was collected from 178 librarians using a pilot-tested, structured questionnaire. Librarians demonstrated moderate competencies in budget management, staff motivation, and collaboration, while policy development and legal/copyright issues were identified as weaker areas. Significant differences were observed based on institution type, with degree-awarding institutions scoring higher in financial planning and policy formulation. Librarians from better-resourced regions exhibited stronger capabilities than those from underserved areas. Higher academic qualifications and greater professional experience correlated with stronger competencies in leadership, policymaking, and securing funding. The study highlights the need for targeted training programs, mentorship initiatives, and structured policies to enhance librarians’ strategic and managerial competencies in digital preservation. The study underscores the crucial role of leadership and advocacy in aligning institutional strategies with digital preservation goals.